Land Conservation and Stewardship Manager

Eagle Valley Land Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is protecting special places for future generations. 

Position Overview

EVLT is seeking an experienced and passionate Land Conservation and Stewardship Manager to serve as the principal staff members working with landowners toward permanent conservation of their land. This role makes an impact by moving projects through the land protection process using a diverse conservation toolbox including conservation easements and fee acquisitions to meet land protection goals, as well as managing the ongoing stewardship responsibilities over existing conservation easements. In addition, the position helps secure funds from State, Federal, County, and private grants, and donors to support land protection efforts. 

This is a full-time/year round position reporting to the Executive Director and based in Edwards, CO. This role is eligible for flexible working arrangements including hybrid work and/or flexible work schedules.

• Manage all aspects of EVLT’s conservation easement and fee property portfolio in accordance with EVLT policies and Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices to ensure compliance with internal policies and  procedures and Land Trust Alliance standards.
• Oversee legal compliance, easement interpretations, landowner reserved right actions, and amendments.
• Lead stewardship projects including analysis, fieldwork, and partner and landowner coordination.
• Propose and negotiate resolutions to stewardship issues and potential and/or actual violations with landowners and third parties.
• Manage any stewardship litigation, including working with outside counsel and ED as needed.
• Coordinate with ED and Stewardship and Projects Committee to plan annual monitoring program.
• Maintain, develop, and improve monitoring report templates in accordance with industry standards. Conducts and documents annual monitoring.
• Participate and provide expertise to projects led by other team members as they relate to conserved land and landowners.
• Support Community.

• Lead land protection project management for EVLT including appropriate due diligence and the drafting and reviewing of conservation easements, property deeds and amendments. This work entails working clos ely with landowners and a variety of contractors including attorneys, appraisers, surveyors, title companies and other professionals towards the completion of due diligence items and closing of the project.
• Serve as the in-house expert on issues related to land protection, including best practices in conservation planning, implementing conservation easements and acquiring fee-owned land.

• Manage planning and execution of Community Land Connection Series Restoration Projects, in coordination with the Community Engagement Manager. 
• Plan and implement new landowner engagement efforts, including landowner workshops and new landowner packet.

• Assist with application process, grant writing, partnership development, restoration project activities, budgeting, and reporting for property and conservation easement acquisitions and enhancement projects as appropriate.
• Analyze and maintain data and information regarding property resources, management, and on-going stewardship.
• Maintain GIS database management, analysis, and map-making to ensure accuracy.
• Maintains relevant certifications and accreditation, leading on LTA Standards 1,8,9,10,11,12
  rafts and updates Management Plans, as necessary.
• Supports and administers Stewardship and Projects Committee.
• Supports fundraising events as needed.

• Supervise part-time Intern(s)

• Understanding of ecological concepts in land conservation
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation
• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS, Google Earth)
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and transparency

Requirements / A successful candidate for this position will generally meet the following qualifications:

• 3 years of experience in land and/or water conservation
  
• Understanding of ecological concepts in land conservation
  
• Interest in and passion for EVLT’s mission
  
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation
  
• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS, Google Earth)
  
• Experience with land transactions from beginning to end
  
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and transparency
  
• Excels in goal setting and workload prioritization
  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  
• Ability to work with people holding diverse positions and perspectives
  
• Comfortable operating with the unknown
  
• Excels at multi-tasking in a deadline-driven and entrepreneurial environment
  
• Ability to design efficient work procedures, systems, schedules, and work flows
  
• Ability to address setbacks, overcome obstacles and resource constraints, and troubleshoot issues
  
• Are self-directed yet flexible
  
• Impeccable eye for detail
  
• Possess a “no task to small” attitude
  
• Professionalism and ability to be discreet with confidential and sensitive issues
  
• Fluency with Microsoft Office and Google Business tools
  
• Professionalism and ability to be discreet with confidential and sensitive issues
  

Preferred qualifications:

• Familiarity and knowledge of Eagle, Grand, Route, Pitkin, and Garfield Counties
  
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and completing complex land transactions, including conservation easements, fee acquisitions, and lands donated in fee – preferred
  
• Ability to manage negotiations and reach consensus with internal and external stakeholders
  
• Ability to or interest in leading and managing others (ability to plan and organize work, motivate employees, and deliver feedback)

Compensation

• $55,000 to 70,000 per year, based on experience.

Benefits:

• 401K with 3% employer match
  
• Up to 120 hours PTO (increases with years of service)
  
• 10 paid holidays
  
• Powder/outdoor recreation days
  
• Wellness benefit of up to $650 per year (for ski pass, recreation center pass, fitness/wellness classes, etc.)
  
• Professional development
  
• Public Transit reimbursement